The Adams Economic Alliance team is small but mighty. We are proud to have an exceptional staff, but their work is also made possible by volunteers and our investors, most of whom come from private businesses. There is another critical group amongst our investors—municipalities.
If you are new to Pennsylvania, the municipal system may be confusing. Basically, it is the people who live in a community, such as a township or borough, being responsible for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. That’s a big undertaking, so the Alliance is available to help with their commitment to a balanced and strategically planned approach to economic development. Additionally, municipalities that are investors of the Alliance are eligible to serve on the organization’s boards and committees, giving them a seat at the decision-making tables and access to shared knowledge from their peers.
Five of Adams County’s 34 municipalities—Borough of Gettysburg, Borough of Abbottstown, Borough of Biglerville, Oxford Township, and Mount Pleasant Township–have shown their commitment to the Alliance by becoming investors. Additionally, Conewago Valley School District has joined this important group.
Borough of Gettysburg Manager Charles Gable says the Alliance’s work is key in the historic town, ensuring its fiscal responsibility to its citizens.
“Economic development is a deliberate undertaking between multiple organizations and community stakeholders. The Adams Economic Alliance has been a key partner in developing the policies needed to ensure fiscal sustainability for the Borough,” Gable said. “Together, the Adams Economic Alliance and Gettysburg Borough grow local businesses and opportunities for a resilient community for generations to come.”
The Alliance takes great pride in its five municipal investors coming from all corners of Adams County. It is a testament that our team pays attention to the county as a whole and is, shall I say invested, in its success.
“Robin and her team at AEA consistently work hard to gather information that impacts or could impact our community and always keep the Borough’s best interests in mind,” said Biglerville Borough Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Kelly Shaffer. “AEA is a truly community-involved and committed organization!”
In the coming months, municipalities will begin forming their 2026 budgets. We appreciate the often tedious work our elected leaders do of going line by line and asking themselves, “is this worth it?” We invite municipal leaders to contact us to learn about the potential return on their $200 investment to the Adams Economic Alliance.
The Alliance is proud to offer free consultations for business owners and prospective business owners, low-interest loans, grant opportunities, and other financial programs, workforce development, business attraction, expansion and retention, assistance with business site selection, and more.
Similar to municipalities, our charge is to focus on Adams County’s current and future quality of life. If we already work together, thank you for your partnership. We look forward to expanding our circle in the future.
Kaycee Kemper is vice president of Adams Economic Alliance, which comprises three organizations: The Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC), the Adams County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA) and the Adams County General Authority (ACGA). For more information, see adamsalliance.org; follow us on Facebook (Facebook.com/AdamsAlliance); X, formerly Twitter (@AdamsAlliance); Instagram (@adamscountypa); and LinkedIn (Adams Economic Alliance), or contact us at 717-334-0042.
